Coronavirus (COVID-19)
Open Road recognises the Coronavirus outbreak is an exceptional and unprecedented event to which we must take a proportionate and realistic approach.
We are a charity that prides itself on service delivery to empower individuals, families and communities to lead healthy and more meaningful lives; free from addiction, offending behaviour and disadvantage. Our services are not possible without the dedication and enthusiasm of our wonderful staff and volunteers.
We hold a responsibility to support everyone associated with Open Road, and place the safety and welfare of our teams and clients as an absolute priority.
In line with guidelines from the Government and Public Health England, Open Road have been prompted to review its operations as a temporary measure. Following this urgent review, we have determined that the following measures and contingencies will be put in place for our services until further notice:
Open Road Centres
(Basildon, Chelmsford, Clacton, Colchester, Harlow, Medway Young Peoples Service, Medway Wellbeing & Recovery Centre)
‘Drop-in’ services and walk-in assessments will cease with immediate effect, with our clients only being seen in person for planned appointments only. All other contact will be made via telephone, so please bear with our teams if you are trying to get through.
Further information and COVID-19-specific safer drug use information can be found here
SOS Buses
We are reviewing the position daily and liaising with local pubs and clubs, to ensure that there is sufficient need from the night-time economy to consider being able to continue delivering some aspects of this service. However, given the reliance on volunteers for this service we are regularly reviewing the situation as undoubtedly increased numbers will be unable to perform their responsibilities.
Essex Appropriate Adult Service
We have agreed revised response times with the Police in an attempt to continue this service. However, given the immense reliance on volunteers for this service we are regularly reviewing the situation as undoubtedly increased numbers of volunteers will be unable to perform their responsibilities.
Welfare Services
In line with Public Health guidance, we are not planning to support any events at this time.
Women’s Service
In line with the Probation service’s protocols, we will be continuing to deliver elements of this service that can be continued through telephone-only contact with clients during this time.
Cookham Wood
We are reviewing the situation alongside our partners within the prison system and adhering to their protocols during these exceptional circumstances to continue providing aspects of our service.
MCTC
We are reviewing the situation alongside our partners within the Military Corrective Training Centre and adhering to their protocols during these exceptional circumstances to continue providing aspects of our service.
Street Drinkers Project
We will be delivering a more streamlined service that will enable some continued support across Colchester, Clacton and Chelmsford. Whilst ensuring that Public Health guidance is followed in terms of social distancing and self-protection, we hope to continue providing aspects of this service to this most vulnerable group of clients during this time.
Complex Women’s Service
We are reviewing the situation alongside our partners within the women’s refuge and adhering to their protocols during these exceptional circumstances to continue providing aspects of our service.
We appreciate your cooperation and ongoing support throughout these adverse times. Please try not to panic, stay safe and we look forward to resuming full service when it is appropriate to do so.
